South Carolina runners move on minus Lattimore

By PETE IACOBELLIAP Sports Writer

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The focus of South Carolina's backfield the past three seasons began and ended with star tailback Marcus Lattimore. With the team record-holder for rushing touchdowns gone, young runners Mike Davis and Brandon Wilds know it's on their shoulders to keep the Gamecocks' ground game going strong.

Lattimore was South Carolina's leading rusher the past three years and set a school record with 38 rushing touchdowns despite missing 13 games because of serious knee injuries in 2011 and 2012. Also missing was last year's senior backup, Kenny Miles, who was the Gamecocks' top rusher in 2009 and their go-to guy after both of Lattimore's injuries.

Davis and Wilds understand what they must do to take over without Lattimore and Miles. Davis says the young pair complement each other on the field.

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